“Since I can corroborate that Dakota was at the club last night, he’s going to ask you to talk to me. Please don’t let on that you know me or that we’ve worked together.”
“Providence, you’ve put both of us in a tight spot.”
“I can’t have my cover blown.”
“Sinclair is calling me. No worries, Providence. I won’t say anything.”
“Thank you.” She hung up.
She hated that the lies were piling up. She wanted to tell Dakota the truth, but she would never betray the Bureau or blow her cover. She’d already risked too much by telling Warren.
While Providence should have felt relieved that her secret was safe, she knew the truth would come out. It always did.
10
Blackmailing Dakota
Dakota could not stop smiling. Sammy had been talking nonstop about her fun sleepover for a full ten minutes. She was cuddled on Evangeline’s lap, her blankie draped over her.
Listening to his daughter was the best medicine for his troubled soul.
“Daddy, we watched the movieCars! It was soooo good. I’m going to be a race car driver when I’m growed.”
“And here I thought you were going to run a real estate company worth millions.”
Sin and Evangeline laughed.
“A race car driver sounds great, honey. I missed you, punkin.”
She scrambled off Evangeline’s lap and hugged him. This energetic bundle of love kept him moving forward day after day.
“Come see my dollhouse.” Sammy bolted over to the three-story structure, dropped to her knees, and got busy arranging furniture.
Dakota sat beside her while she explained every detail of the house. “That’s where the mommy and daddy sleep.”
Dakota’s chest grew tight. While he was doing his best as a single dad, his daughter wanted a mom so badly. “This is a beautiful house, Samantha Lynn. What did you say to Uncle Lalla and Aunt Evangeline?”
“I told them thank you and added ‘very much’. And I hugged them.”
“Good job.” He gave her a high five.
“She might crash this afternoon,” Sin said. “We were up late.” His phone rang. “It’s my dad.”
Evangeline sat beside Sammy. “Let’s play with your dollhouse before you guys take off.”
Dakota loved how trusting Sammy was with those she loved. He wanted to tell her about the dangers lurking in the world, but he would never destroy her childhood with the ugly truth.
Dakota pushed off the floor. “Sammy, I’ll be right back.”
As he and Sin entered the kitchen, Sin answered. “Hey, Dad. You’re on speaker and Dakota is with me.”
“What’s going on?” Warren asked.
After Dakota filled him in, Warren said, “Let me see what I can find out.”
“Can you represent me?” Dakota asked.
“Absolutely,” Warren replied.
